• Vessels At Breakwater: Many of the vessels inside the Breakwater are commercial fishing or other working boats. Most spend the entire year in the water so they need to be protected by the Breakwater from the weather. Since scallop season is December 1 to April 15, many seem to be idle during the summer. Spend your time watching and asking questions to learn about each vessel.
  
  Tugboats, Pleon and Ahoski, integral parts of the foreign shipping industry in Eastport, are docked at the Fish Pier. Close by, at the Breakwater, is one of their partners, the Chester T. Marshall. She may not be the prettiest boat in the harbor, but she is considered to be the elder lady, being built in East Boothbay in 1923 as a sardine carrier. When the Chester T. moves and sails out toward Head Harbor, it will be less than two hours before a large cargo ship will be spotted in Friar Roads. The Chester T. carries the harbor pilot out near East Quoddy Head Lighthouse where he boards the cargo ship to captain it through the bay to the new pier at Estes Head. Later when it is time for the ship to depart, the Chester T. will return to Head Harbor to retrieve the pilot. About one hour after the Chester T. leaves the Breakwater, the cargo ship will come around Bucknam Head on the way to Europe or Asia, usually laden with paper products from Domtar in Woodland.
  
  The tugboats greet the ship while the harbor pilot slows the ship to about six knots. At that speed the ship needs assistance, so the tugs guide her to Estes Head where she is tied to the pier to be loaded from the warehouses in the area. Longshoremen (and women) do their parts on the tugboats, in the warehouses, and at the pier to ensure that the ship is loaded as quickly and safely as possible.
  
  The personnel at Federal Marine Terminals (Skip Rogers, 853-6096), in their office above the pier, and the Eastport Port Authority (853-4614), in their office at 3 Madison Street near the Breakwater, oversee the operation. When a ship is in port, it is dangerous for the public to be in the area. Watch from Shackford Head, either the parking area or the "mountain."
  
  The United States Coast Guard established a sub-station with a vessel in Eastport in 1970. Their office is in the Customs House above the post office and their vessels are at the Breakwater. The twelve men who are stationed in Eastport provide a valuable service not only for the United States but also for the surrounding Canadian waters. In case of emergency, the U. S. Coast Guard can often respond faster than the Canadians [red boat with white diagonal on bow]. The Canadians are here at times to assist with repair and maintenance of buoys and other navigational aids. This cooperation ensures safe boating in the area.
  
  The Coast Guard polices boating activities, but much more important are their efforts to provide training, inspection, and assistance to all boaters, commercial and recreational. If you have any questions or concerns, ask any of the men. EMERGENCY: 853-2845; Non-Emergency: 853-0684.

Many locations in Eastport have free copies of a map detailing the Eastport/Lubec Quoddy Loop vicinity. Carry one with you. This map details roads and ferry routes connecting the entire area. You'll enjoy each of these day trips more fully if you have a camera and binoculars always at hand. At every turn you have the opportunity for a moose to appear, an eagle to soar overhead, or some other breathtaking sight to awaken your senses. Many days you'll want a sweater or sweatshirt within easy reach. Bring along water and food so you'll have the freedom to explore in every direction.

Eastport, Maine: Easternmost City in the U.S.A.